sirkulaarisuus

Sirkulaarisuus, or circularity, is an economic model that aims to keep resources in use for as long as possible, extracting maximum value from them while in use, and then recovering and regenerating products and materials at the end of each service life. This contrasts with the traditional linear economy, which follows a "take-make-dispose" model. The core principle of sirkulaarisuus is to design out waste and pollution, circulate products and materials, and regenerate nature.

In practice, sirkulaarisuus involves strategies such as product design for durability, repairability, and recyclability. It promotes business models based on product-as-a-service, where consumers pay for the use of a product rather than its ownership, encouraging manufacturers to maintain and upgrade their products. Reusing components, remanufacturing products, and recycling materials are also key elements. The ultimate goal is to create a closed-loop system where resources are continuously cycled, minimizing the need for virgin materials and reducing environmental impact.

The adoption of sirkulaarisuus can lead to several benefits, including reduced waste generation, decreased reliance on finite resources, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and the creation of new economic opportunities and jobs. It requires a systemic shift in thinking across design, production, consumption, and waste management.